Editorial note: Homefront (defined in the Disclosure below) may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations.
Our editorial team is committed to creating independent and objective content focused on helping our readers make informed decisions. To help support these efforts we receive compensation from companies that advertise with us.
The compensation we receive from these companies may impact how and where products appear on this site. This compensation does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides within our content. We do not include all companies, products or offers that may be available.
Sean DonnellyHome Improvement Reporter
Sean informs readers of all the issues that moving clients may encounter during any relocation....
Updated Jun 22, 2024
Join more than 1,715 homeowners who have received a quote in the last 30 days.
We've ranked the top 10 moving companies that operate within 50 miles of North Plainfield. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
The best long-distance mover for relocating out of New Jersey is International Van Lines. For a local move around North Plainfield, use the filters below to find other companies for your move.
Below are additional moving companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
A long-distance move is when you relocate to another state or over 50 miles away. If you're moving across state lines, you need to be especially careful that the mover you hire has the right federal licensing. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input these numbers or the mover's name into the FMCSA's database to look up a carrier's licensing status.
We've confirmed that the long-distance moving companies below are actively licensed. They can help get your belongings to your new home safely and smoothly.
In New Jersey, interstate moving companies must carry both state and federal licenses. The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) regulates New Jersey movers. The DPU maintains an alphabetical list of licensed movers in the state on their website.
The average hourly moving rate for moving within or out of North Plainfield is higher than the national average, making itfairly costly. This makes sense given that the cost of living in North Plainfield is higher than 89.4% of the country.
Various factors are involved when moving, causing expenses adding up fast. Here are some common moving costs:
Your total moving cost may also be affected by these extra factors:
When hiring professional movers, you may have to pay more for moving valuable, fragile or oversized items. The following items typically are more expensive to move:
When researching moving companies, ask whether they move these items and charge extra for them.
Giving your movers a tip is optional but common if they get your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently. For local moves, a standard tip is $5–$10 per mover per hour. For long-distance moves, tip $20–$40 per mover per day.
Limited supplies, transportation emergencies, bad weather and traffic can all delay your move and add to the time and cost. Be prepared for delays by adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your moving budget and keeping a flexible schedule.
Experts Ready to Help
Keeping the following tips in mind can reduce your moving costs in North Plainfield.
Prevent surprise charges the day of your move by communicating with your movers as much as possible. Inform them of additional items that weren’t in the initial inventory you gave the movers.
While your movers can usually accommodate small items without issue, larger pieces such as new furniture or appliances should be discussed beforehand. The movers may charge more for those additions and won’t begin your move until you’ve consented to the additional cost.
Since reliable and affordable movers are in high demand, consider moving during the week or in the off-season to save some money while still reserving your preferred moving company.
Most people schedule moves between May and September. If you have a flexible timeline, you may want to move outside of those months, as there won’t be as much competition or as high of moving rates.
There are several alternatives if you can't find an affordable relocation service.
One alternative is handling the move on your own. Consider the amount of labor required and the following costs when deciding between a professional moving company and moving on your own:
Your family, friends or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have large items such as furniture. If you don't have the time or support system required for a DIY move, employing movers is a worthwhile investment.
You can also hire movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. Hiring hourly help can be cheaper, but independent contractors may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.
When you choose full-service moving, your hired movers will tackle all aspects of the moving process. This includes supplying packing materials, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.
Full-service moving is more expensive than standard moving services, which typically only cover the loading up and transport of your belongings. The cost can be worth it, considering the time and labor packers spare you, in addition to covering the cost of packing supplies. Additionally, full-service moving can provide more comprehensive insurance coverage, as self-packed goods are usually only covered up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be challenging to get a claim approved for self-packed damaged goods.
Any legitimate moving company will show their proof of registration on physical trucks and formal files. If you're making an out of state move, you should screen companies for legitimate USDOT and MC numbers beforehand by visiting the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in New Jersey are also required to have a license from the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.
You’ll also need to check out your mover’s insurance policies. Every moving company will offer released-value coverage, which protects your goods at a rate of 60 cents per pound per item. However, you may want to ask about full-value protection, which most movers offer at an additional cost, if your belongings include higher worth items.
The warmer months — May through September — are the most favorable time to move in the U.S., which results in substantially increased demand and notably higher rates across the country for moves of all types. With good reason, this may steer you away from a summer move due to the higher cost.
We advise moving in the springtime or early autumn so that you have optimal weather conditions and more affordable pricing for services.
Load up your car with anything too important to lose, such as photos, financial records, identification documents and computers.
Most moving businesses place limits on insurance coverage for high-value possessions, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're concerned about irreplaceable and valuable items being lost or damaged, take those belongings with you.
Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.
If you’re like most people, you try to save money when moving. Cut costs by finding cheap supplies, sticking to a budget and limiting extraneous purchases.
movingMar. 7
Learn how to hire movers. Field recommendations, research each company, then get free estimates and compare quotes to find a provider that matches your needs.
movingMar. 7
Moving with pets can add extra stress. Whether you’re flying, driving or using pet relocation services, planning and preparation will ensure peace of mind.
movingMar. 7
A final walk-through checklist simplifies the homebuying process. This important step ensures repairs are complete and the house is in working order.
movingMar. 7
The USDOT number helps you verify your interstate mover’s license. Learn how to look it up and why it’s important.
movingMar. 7
Learn which things moving companies won’t move. Explosive items like propane tanks can’t go on the moving truck, but what about houseplants and wine?
movingMar. 7
Planning an upcoming move? Learn where to get moving boxes plus how to calculate how many boxes you need.
movingMar. 7
When is the best time to move? Learn everything you need to know about seasonal moves and savings with our guide.
movingMar. 7
How much you tip movers depends on a few factors, such as their service level and the job’s complexity. Find out what to tip and more in our guide.
movingMar. 12
Find the best long-distance moving company for your relocation. IVL, Allied and JK Moving Services are good places to start.
movingMay 21
We researched the best interstate moving companies and found that International Van Lines is the best provider for state-to-state relocations.
movingMay 23